#sodd review

Peace to all, I’ll be reviewing Indefinite by Bay Area native Stanley Ipkuss. This may be a personal favorite of mine not just because we both have work with Ewonee the beatnik or because I personally have a record with Ipkuss, but because of his love for lyricism, imagery, and smooth cadence. This is a 14 track EP produced in its entirety by Ewonee the Beatnik, who hales from Mt. Vernon New York. That alone is what kept me on edge about this project; because it is always unique and can set off your spidey senses when you see two artists from two different time zones connect and build chemistry the way these two have. I connected with Ewonee through SoundCloud and he shared the track these two have together called “Caffeiene” which drew me to Stanley. Anyhow, lets dissect this piece of work.

This album opens with the song “Sskpylnts” which is a great intro to an audience who may not be familiar with his work. The beat begins with a soulful sample that transitions to what is more of a lo-fi feel that reminds me of a track from Blu & Exile’s “Below The Heavens” album. His choice of words and the way he puts them together is admirable for any emcee of his caliber because it lets you know who Stanley Ipkuss is but also gives you an image through song, which in my book is the best way to do it because you let people feel where you come from. One line he says that was cold to me but has a deeper meaning is “phantom of the night time a vandal at day break” which explains his love for art, graffiti, and skateboarding. If you know anything about this scene you know it is risky and adventurous so he reeled me in with his cinematic honesty. You also get songs like “Dee.Bagg” ft. Doof who is actually from my town Richmond Virginia, “Letters” featuring Bukue One, and “Caffeine”, which all lay in a realm of there on and set different tones for the overall idea behind this story. Stanley holds his weight with those who are featured and can speak to anyone in the Blue Collar, or White Collar work industry on “Caffeine”. With the hook which says “I need caffeine or ill decline, seeming like its about that time, for a coffee and a cigarette, I need coffee and a cigarette, outside to forget the stress, chug one down ash it in the dirt, now its time to get back to work”. If that chorus doesn’t speak to you in volume then you must love your job.

Now there are a few things that let me down with this project. I personally am a greedy consumer, and this project was too short to be this dope. Granted, it is an EP so it served its purpose but in todays age you want to give as much as you can to the world to not be forgotten by next week. The other thing was the overall theme based on the beats. The beats all have similar sounds as if Ewonee chopped the same sample various ways which can be a let down for some, but for a fellow emcee it’s a plus because it adds cohesiveness to the project however, this can scare away a potential audience who feeds on variety. Sadly, lyrics just aren’t the top priority for people’s ears nowadays. Overall, I have a lot more to say about this project but as an emcee and an enthusiast in this culture I could type until my fingers hurt so I’ll leave you with this. If you want to have something to play in your car, work out to, listen to on your iPod when Mom and Pop don’t wanna hear that “rap, because back in my day” type of ish this is it. If I were to rate it out of 5, I would give it a 4.5 only because of the length and beat selection. Until we meet again world.

Truly Yours,

Henny L.O. aka Lowey

.indefinite. by Stanley Ipkuss & ewonee thee beatnik

I’m back with another Album Review. Today, we concentrate on 22 year old August Alsina and his latest project Testimony. With an array of features including Rick Ross, Pusha T, Yo Gotti, Producers Drummer Boy and (of course) Mustard on the beat, August taps into the life of grind, struggle and trap on both male and female spectrums; relating to his life and the NEW average and every day female.

Read the full review after the jump.

The New Orleans native introduces his album with a musical bio entitled, “Testify.” Pretty much, it’s his life and struggle in a nut shell. The nicely recorded production goes in depth about how his father dealt with addiction, his mother kicking him out and doing what was necessary. It wasn’t until he signed with Radio Killer & Def Jam Records that his life began to lighten up. His main goal, to succeed in this music game so he doesn’t have to go back to the “trap.”

Moving down on the track list, Jeezy joins Alsina in “Make It Home” where he explodes with a game plan for the present and the future. Track 3, “Right There” address the other part of the struggle; dealing with pain, hardships and keeping momentum with “reaching for the stars.” Fortunately, he’s able to reassure his people that he’s not going no where and he won’t leave their side.

My favorite track on the album is “Grind & Pray/Get Ya Money” which features Brooklyn’s own Fabolous. This song in itself is an uplifter for the woman who goes through a lot to provide for hers and keep secure her income, even if it is stagnant. Whether you have a career dancing on a pole, or established as new business-woman, this track will get you on the right track and maybe add some “twerk” to your goals.

The best thing about this album is there are 5 BONUS TRACKS! So check out the stream below and see for your self. This is something R&B needs right now.

Yea I said it.

Its your girl, Ms. Electra and I’m giving you a new mix tape review only this time, I’m not reviewing a mix tape. I’m letting you know about homegirl SZA and that Z EP.

As the album, begins, we’re taken on a soulful and melodic wonderland. There’s a bit of a blast from the past but nothing that isn’t accepted in this day and age.

The first track produced by Mac Miller, “UR” sounds like a match made in musical sound frequency heaven. As we are lead into a variation of melodies with the horns, you’re guaranteed to get in a peaceful state of mind and maybe setting the mood for something else.

Read the rest of the review after the jump.

As we move down, past “Child’s Play”, featuring Chance the Rapper, “Julia” brings us back to the early 90s late 80s. Almost like we’re about to hear Madonna or Cher get on the track. While “Warm Winds” with Isaih Rasah makes you think SZA has been working with Lana Del Rey. (Summertime Saddness) The song begins with a story and in mid way before Rashad comes in we hear a sample reiterated by SZA saying,

“Dear God, make me a bird, so I can fly far, far far away”

Soon we begin to hear the familiar sound of TDE we’re used to.

Moving along down the 10 track EP, to track 5: “Hii Jack,” made me hit the repeat button. It tells the story of a woman in love and who can’t let go and believe you me it is absolutely all good!!

I’m not going to give you anymore but I will let you know this is a dope EP. SZA has a melodic, time traveling and eccentric soul. It’s definitely expressed on this compilation. What I like the most about it is that it’s not just R&B, its not just something that can be Pop but it’s universal. I love it. I give it 5 thunderbolts.

Hope you take a listen as well.